DC Breaks Single-Season Trey Mark in Win Over MSJ

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Courtney Schmersal used a three-point barrage to score 22 points, as Defiance claimed an 80-67 victory over Mount St. Joseph on Wednesday. Schmersal hit six trifectas in the contest to help the Jackets move past the 2004-05 squad with a DC single-season record 152 treys.

Defiance picked up its third-straight home win over the Lions, while recording its first victory at the Karl H. Weaner Center this season to stay alive in the HCAC Tournament hunt. The Jackets are now 8-14 overall and 4-9 in conference action.

DC used a 22-8 run midway through the first half to lead by as many as 19, scoring 17 points off turnovers to distance itself from the Mount. The Jackets, behind Schmersal's five three-pointers, shot a red-hot 54.5 percent from beyond the arc in the opening period to take a commanding 41-30 lead at the break.

The Lions pulled within six points in the second half, but a pair of Tasha Stucke layups keyed a 9-2 spurt that pushed Defiance's lead to 13, 58-45, and put any thoughts of a come-from-behind win to rest. The Jackets, who led from start to finish, were 14-of-19 from the charity stripe in the final minutes to close out the victory.

DC put together a great defensive effort, limiting Mount St. Joseph to a 35.9 percent field goal percentage in the contest to improve to 5-1 when holding its opponents under 40 percent shooting. The Jackets forced 25 turnovers, turning those mishaps into 26 points.

Defiance used a balanced scoring attack to record the victory, as Schmersal was joined by Holly Stein, Amber Bailey and Stucke in double-figures. Stein tallied 14 points and seven rebounds, while Bailey finished with 12 points and eight boards. Stucke scored a dozen points to go along with her six helpers and three steals. Jenna Deskins and Katie Carunchia each recorded eight points and five caroms.

Defiance returns to action this Saturday, February 14, when it plays host to Rose-Hulman for its Pink Zone game to raise cancer awareness. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game, where donations will be taken for the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.